Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that four million deserving families—benefiting nearly 20 million people—will receive financial assistance through a digital wallet under the Rs20 billion Ramazan Relief Package 2025.
During his visit to the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) headquarters, the prime minister reviewed the monitoring system established for the aid distribution and emphasized that this marks the first time such a program is being executed via a digital wallet platform. This initiative is expected to eliminate irregularities and inefficiencies that have plagued previous relief efforts, ensuring that financial assistance reaches those who need it most without bureaucratic delays or corruption. Highlighting the economic context of this initiative, Sharif stated that inflation during Ramazan 2025 is lower compared to previous years. He underscored that the government’s Rs20 billion allocation for this year’s package is 200% higher than the Rs7 billion provided in 2024. He attributed this significant increase to Pakistan’s improving economic situation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Officials from the NTC provided a briefing on the progress of the digital cash distribution system, revealing that while the initial response was slow, public interest has been growing as confidence in the system’s transparency strengthens. The prime minister noted that past challenges in aid distribution—such as corruption and mismanagement—are being actively addressed through digital mechanisms designed to track transactions and prevent fraud. Sharif also directed relevant ministries to engage with the corporate sector to expand awareness about the Ramazan Relief Package, acknowledging that many potential beneficiaries remain unaware of how to access the funds. He pointed out that the current withdrawal rate stands at only 20% due to a lack of understanding of digital wallets and urged eligible recipients to contact 9999 for further details.
Emphasizing the importance of the program, the prime minister reaffirmed that this relief is not a favor but a fundamental right of citizens facing economic hardship. To further enhance the package’s impact, he requested feedback from stakeholders within a week to explore the possibility of increasing the relief budget. The government’s use of a digital wallet for aid distribution represents a shift towards technology-driven governance, ensuring that financial support reaches deserving families with efficiency and accountability. As Ramazan approaches, this initiative is set to provide much-needed relief to millions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic stability and social welfare.
